You should make every effort to understand your warranty and protect your investment. Defects in new homes fall into several categories. Among these are obvious material and workmanship defects, and hidden material and workmanship defects. You have probably taken care of the obvious defects. Appliances that do not function correctly and cosmetic issues are two of the most common.

The ones that should concern you are the defects that are not obvious. Improper wiring, small exterior openings where moisture seeps in, and poor drainage are among the most common.

Over time, many hidden defects cause substantial damage to homes. Improper drainage can damage foundations, leading to structural problems. Small exterior leaks can lead to wood rot, mold. Electrical problems often remain unnoticed until a short injures someone or starts a fire.

Unfortunately, these problems often do not always show up within the first year. By the time they become evident, either your warranty has expired or you’re into limited coverage and deductibles. If you have an inspection performed before the one-year warranty has expired, the builder can repair any defects discovered by the inspection under warranty.

Documenting potential problems and obtaining repairs during the first year is much simpler than seeking recourse later. We call this an “11-Month Warranty Inspection, ”because it should be done prior to the one-year “walk-through” conducted by your builder. Recommended time anywhere between 8 - 11 months.
Documenting the condition of your home with a full inspection gives you leverage when your builder conducts the one-year “walk-through.” It will also give you an advantage in the event repairs are not completed satisfactorily.

Building a new home is a complex endeavor. It involves many people, with various sub-contractors working on different parts and systems of the house. Even for the best builders, it’s nearly impossible to complete this process without missing something. Sometimes a plumbing fixture doesn’t get tested for leaks, or an electrical box isn’t working, or another minor problem is overlooked. An independent inspector can find such problems while it is still early enough for you to bring them up with the builder and have them corrected.

If you have any suspicion that there could be a problem with mold, this is the time to have the air in your home tested, before your warranty is up. Materials are often exposed to the elements during construction, Materials are stored outside uncovered. Drywall can soak up enough dampness in an overnight dew to cause indoor air quality problems due to mold. For anyone with allergies or asthma, this is highly recommended and well worth the investment if elevated levels are found.

For a small fraction of what you paid for your new home, a professional inspection can pay dividends in peace of mind and in helping to identify and correct minor problems before they can become major ones.